Miranda Kerr slipping into the shoes of Ann-Margret for a slinky, night time swing of a song once performed with Elvis Presley may, predictably, fire up the internet. Travesty, joke, how very dare she, etc, etc.

Even if the song, You're The Boss, is hardly a Presley standard given it was dropped from the film Viva Las Vegas – one theory has it, because it was a little too hot – the mere mention of Presley, Ann-Margret and Kerr could blow search engine algorithms.

Kerr's debut duet with crooner Bobby Fox will be released today.

Model Miranda Kerr tries her hand at singing. Photo: Jim Rice

(Oddly, Irish musical theatre chap Fox stepping into Presley's hand tooled leather boots doesn't seem to rate quite as high Kerr on the "are you kidding" front, though the potential “insult” is higher surely? Maybe he needs a David Jones contract and celebrity divorce first.)

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Ann-Margret was a genuine triple threat on top of spectacular looks: a fine singer, an even better dancer and a good actor. Miranda Kerr is, well, not. But that's OK.

First of all, she does not need to be for a song which, in this arrangement, asks for more sultriness than technique; the implied pillow talk feel bringing a smidge of frisson that for some will work as sexiness.

Secondly, even if you argue Kerr brings more carefully enunciating schoolgirl than adult lover, tipping the song into some strange seduction rather than two equals explaining why they like to get it on, she's hardly the first "young innocent sullied by loving” to be paired with a knowing “older” man on record. (The fact she's older than Fox of course makes all this a bit sillier still, but anyway.)

In that regard she's not that much poorer than Bridget Bardot and Jane Birkin, who were "corrupted" by Serge Gainsbourg across large and minor hits, and, though inferior, not a million miles from Nancy Sinatra who played opposite Lee Hazelwood in some classic 1960s songs. Speaking of that period, there were many great pop songs made in France in the '60s, and a few in UK and USA, with lead vocals by young women which were a little flat, a little limited but oozing with character – going from too knowing to too innocent and everything in between.

And it's fair to say that it's not like Fox is offering an overwhelming amount of sex appeal opposite her. The baritone saxophone may bring a bit of earthiness, the finger-snapping rhythm may draw the hips forward and the organ may suddenly put some heat into the mix but Fox comes across as more observer than active participant.

If you are going to criticise Kerr for not being Ann-Margret – and Fox for not being Presley - it might be fairer still to criticise them both for not being LaVern Baker and Jimmy Ricks who sang this a few years before Viva Las Vegas. Listen to Baker and Ricks and you find yourself in very adult and much more satisfying territory.

You're the Boss features on Fox's debut album, The Fantastic Mr Fox, which will be released on Friday.

41 comments

LaVern Baker - what a truly magnificent voice.

Commenter

Mark

Location

Elsternwick

Date and time

April 22, 2014, 9:36AM

I reckon! I could listen to her for hours.

Commenter

Emma

Location

Brisbane

Date and time

April 22, 2014, 3:18PM

The original is absolutely the best. If someone who is obviously not a singer feels compelled to make a foray into the world of music it's probably best not to set yourself up for comparison with one of the greats. Better still, learn that not all publicity is good publicity. Too much obvious striving for attention actually has the opposite affect - it shows insecurity and ends depleting any credibility. Stick to what you do well.

Commenter

MLK

Location

Blaxland

Date and time

April 22, 2014, 3:23PM

Miranda Kerr tweeted weeks ago that "I only sing in the shower" "it's NOT a career change" "it's only a bit of fun" explaining that she doesn't think she's a singer at all or that's she's the next Ann Margaret or anyone else.

Bobby Fox from "Jersey Boys" approached her to do a duet on his debut record & HE suggested the song. Gee the nerve of her to enjoy herself & do something different. Better lock her up & throw away the key!

People like yourself are incredibly judgmental & self righteous simply because Miranda's not only beautiful but also a successful Supermodel & businesswoman. How dare she.... Right???

It REEKS of petty jealousy & sour grapes!

Commenter

Meow meow!

Location

Date and time

April 22, 2014, 7:37PM

No Meow Meow it reeks of people who dont appreciate her lack of singing ability. Where are her friends to quietly tell her "Sorry love but you dont have the talent." Best to be honest than allow her to embarrass herself.

Commenter

Tp

Location

Date and time

April 23, 2014, 8:19AM

Anyone who thinks you don't need to be able to sing to be a singer should not be listening to let alone reviewing music.

If you can't sing, leave the music industry for those who can

Commenter

Ailie

Location

Date and time

April 22, 2014, 9:36AM

"If you can't sing, leave the music industry for those who can"

That's like saying that to be an author you should have neat handwriting or to be a painter you need to colour within the lines - absolutely wrong, and explains why most 'popular' music these days is to terrible.

Being able to sing is absolutely irrelevant - being able to write meaningful songs that actually connect with people is far more important.

Give me Tom Waits and Bob Dylan over any Idol / The Voice winner any day of the week.

Commenter

Dan

Location

Sydney

Date and time

April 22, 2014, 11:59AM

I think there is a truism with the very famous in recent decades - we hold celebrities up as the most important people in society, they in turn equate that with unlimited talent and unwarranted self importance.

Ie in the face of overwhelming evidence she has zero talent at it, Madonna continues to act and direct, whereas people with no talent at all like Paris Hilton believe they should be singers, actresses, fashion designers and DJ's

Kerr is a model full stop - but I assume she will assume being famous means she is a talented actress and singer too.

Commenter

The brown note

Date and time

April 22, 2014, 9:50AM

I agree.Its so obvious and so true.I think we need a new word to describe "celebrities" . They have visited much shame on the word famous through no fault of its own.

Commenter

tip

Location

top

Date and time

April 22, 2014, 3:08PM

I imagine by now, All Hallows would be back-pedalling a million miles an hour rather than acknowledge Kerr as an old girl after this and her most recent sordid aerial orgasmic revelations on aircraft. Her very own mile high club not a great "model" for the place. Not a good look. Kind of sad and desperate.